Audit examines troubled Massachusetts special ed agency

A state audit has identified more than $37 million in potentially misspent funds by an agency that provides special education services to students in 10 Massachusetts school districts.

The report released Wednesday by state Auditor Suzanne Bump finds that Merrimack Special Education Collaborative had more than $6 milllion in undocumented salary expenses and spent more than $4 million on non-business-related items such as alcohol and golf.

BOB SALSBERG

A state audit has identified more than $37 million in potentially misspent funds by an agency that provides special education services to students in 10 Massachusetts school districts.

The report released Wednesday by state Auditor Suzanne Bump finds that Merrimack Special Education Collaborative had more than $6 milllion in undocumented salary expenses and spent more than $4 million on non-business-related items such as alcohol and golf.

The collaborative came under scrutiny earlier this year when the state inspector general accused the former head of the agency, John Barranco, of using his power to boost his pay and that of top executives.

Bump also released audits critical of spending at two similar agencies, the Southeastern Massachusetts Education Collaborative, and the READS Collaborative.

She plans to propose several reforms to address the issues found in the reports.